DFA-alpha

New t-shirt design from DFA Records taking their iconic Lightning bolt logo and placing it into a hypnotic concentric circular, spiral like pattern. With the bolts alternating in different colors, the psychedelia continues. Printed on American Apparel. 100% cotton. Slim Fit.

• Printed on American Apparel
• 100% Cotton
• Slim Fit

Anything that DFA puts out right now becomes a must have, and judging by the first releases, these singles won't be around for long. The second DFA release for Juan Maclean, former frontman of Six Finger Satellite. "You Can't Have It Both Ways" is a deep electro cum new wave track featuring the vocals of Nancy Whang. B-side is my pick, an ambience filled track that kinda creeps all up on you. "My Time is Running Out" again features Nancy, but with a heavy vocoder vest on and an even heavier new wave edge. I am so afraid of living in oblivion.

• music label: DFA / 2002

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

Thank God, the hipster-hater's most eagerly anticipated album to hate on is here! We have waded through a million singles' and magazine articles' worth of hype to hear what the fuss is about, and SURPRISE!, the album is really, really good. All this time, while the Rapture disappeared off the face of the earth (I think they died of oldness) and countless shitty disco-punk digi-funk imitators have materialized to cover "To Hell With Poverty," Death From Awesome guru James Murphy has been producing the end-all of hipster music manifestos, uniting people of all cultures, from Fader readers to 'Sup readers alike. How is this possible? For one thing, unlike other "now sounds" like Rio Booty Garbage and Grime, the LCD full-length can actually be listened to in the privacy of your home or iPod and be enjoyed as music (as opposed to shrieking noise). Consider: "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House, Tribulations, Movement, Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up (which I have to include because every review of this album has to include it to show the record's "range"), Disco Infiltrator." Yes, Murphy is kind of paunch and old, and yes, this album is produced and packaged to be EXACTLY what someone my age wants to hear, but fuck it! So is "Kung Fu Hustle" and I'm seeing that shit the day it comes out! 9 tracks total, all brilliant. 

• music label: DFA / 2005

reviewed by the woodman 05/2005

Now that James Murphy and Co. have retired, it's no better time to revisit where it all began. "Losing My Edge" sounds as relevant today as it did when it was released back in 2002 (and technically sounds even better thanks to a fresh remaster). The disco punk aesthetic displayed here would became a signature sound of LCD as well as DFA. Also includes one of the best B-sides ever with "Beat Connection." Recommended.

• music label: DFA 2002/2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

One-sided single from LCD Soundsystem's upcoming LP This Is Happening.  These 12"s were printed up for Record Store Day 2010, and are limited to an edition of 1000.  The song is an awesome bit of vintage LCD, clocking in at 8+ minutes and featuring James' talking/singing style that was also featured on "Losing My Edge," "Yeah" and "Yr City's A Sucker."  Excellent stuff for sure, these won't be around long so act quick.  Recommended. 

• music label: DFA / 2010

reviewed by Hires 04/2010

It's kind of freaky how James Murphy gets better with every album. With every song and every release, he manages to out do whatever preceded it and 2010's This Is Happening is absolutely solid, from front to back. It's only 9 tracks, but they're lengthy and it clocks in at about an hour in total jamming time. From the chugging rock on "Drunk Girls," to the sublime new wave confessional "I Can Change," to the stream of consciousness disco that is "Pow Pow," you can be sure the LCD sound will keep you rockin'. You could (you should) click on any of these audio previews and hear an awesome track, there's seriously no filler here! High quality double LP reissue, released as part of the Electrospective series. Extra recommended.

• music label: DFA 2010

reviewed by Hires

It's kind of freaky how James Murphy gets better with every album.  With every song and every release, he manages to out do whatever preceded it.  This Is Happening is absolutely solid, from front to back.  It's only 9 tracks, but they're lengthy and it clocks in at about an hour in total playing time.  All of 'em are great, from the chugging rock on "Drunk Girls," to the sublime new wave confessional "I Can Change," to the stream of consciousness disco that is "Pow Pow."  You could (you should!) click on any of these audio previews and hear a great track, there's no fat here.  The CD comes in a paper digipak sleeve that features a small lyrics book and a few shots of Murphy and the band.  I don't know what you're waiting for, you need this one in your life.  X-tra recommended. 

• music label: DFA / 2010

reviewed by Hires 07/2010

"Tribulations" is easily the most accessible cut from the LCD album making it a prime choice for the single plus remix treatment. The man of the moment, Lindstrom, rolls out his most user-friendly remix to date when he takes on James Murphy's emotive vocals and pulsing bass line that drive the track into anthem territory. Lindstrom saves the vocals until almost halfway through, building and building to the release until we have a rave-tastic, albeit disco-fied, moment. Surprisingly, Tiga doesn't add his vocals to his remix of "Tribulations," instead delivering a relatively bland attempt at old school trance (that's of the dark, acid-fueled variety).

• music label: DFA / 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 12/2005

Proper pic sleeve reissue of this early LCD 12" from 2004. Yeah was the follow up to LCD's breakout track "Losing My Edge," and was kind of a sleeper that has definitely stood the test of time and is worth a revisit. Here's what we said about it back in '04: Having released one of last year's best singles (Losing My Edge), James Murphy is back with another brilliant extension of his LCD Soundsystem. LCD records seem to speak to those kids sick of the scene, who want their 12" to retain interest longer than the next trend, but without sacrificing up to the minute relevance. An impossible feat, but listening to tracks like "Yeah (Crass Version)" will make you a believer. The song writing and composition are the foundations that the track is built on, with enough rock pretentiousness and sleazy analog to keep you interested. It takes a little more to keep our jaded ears interested these days, and this is might be it. "Yeah (Pretentious Version)" is a completely alternate version, offering a cleaner instrumental take on the track. Also includes the "Clap-a-Pella." Recommended.

• 032613

Panama is the latest group to join the Future Classic roster and delivers sun-drenched disco pop with their debut single "Magic". The Sydney-based quartet lead by Jarrah McCleary blends breezy tropical vibes, 80's synth pop, and yacht rock for a super catchy vocal track that is poised to be a feel-good summer anthem. Remix duties are handled by NYC disco band Midnight Magic who spruce up the track with a hefty dose of disco bass and punched up drums for late night movin' and groovin'. DFA's Gavin Russom (of The Crystal Ark) is also on board for a teched-out, bass heavy remix. Comes in embossed Future Classic sleeve with free mp3 download card.

• music label: Future Classic 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

Limited edition pressing for Record Store Day 2013! This one is sure to please the Pulp fans as well as the indie dance crowd. Back in 2000 the band recorded a demo of "After You" and never really ended up doing anything with it. Thankfully DFA's James Murphy recently stepped in and saw the demo to completion. The result is an expert blend of Pulp's Britpop sensibilities and Mr. LCD Soundsystem's well honed production abilities. The wry wit of front man Jarvis Cocker is on fully display while the incessant rhythm drives the song forward. To complete the trifecta the UK's Soulwax handle the remix duties with aplomb. Never hesitant to take on the high profile remix gigs the band know precisely what to do and turn "After You" in to prime club material. Murphy's "4am Desperation Disco To Disco Dub Version" is no slouch either, providing a needed salve for all you LCD fans that are thirsty for more.

• music label: Rough Trade 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

Debut release from Runaway's new On The Prowl label. The NY duo of Jaques Renault and Marcos Cabral has had releases on every hip label from DFA, Rekids, I'm A Cliche, Chinatown, etc. (even a forthcoming remix on Money Studies), and now they have their on label to do whatever they want on... And apparently what they want to do is wreck the dance floor with deep and minimal house grooves that nod to the old school while looking forward. Take "Poltergeist" with it's dark, acidic bass bloops and seemingly random vocal chops that get taken deeper with old school key stabs. "Don't Block The Box" goes even deeper, with hypnotic layers of synth pads and percussion topped off with dubbed out jungle sounds (Puma growls anyone?) to set your mind adrift while your body takes control. 

• music label: On The Prowl / 2009

reviewed by snackmaster 08/2009

Official joints from DFA's rising disco/house duo Still Going aka new disco superstars Eric Duncan (Rub N Tug) and Olivier Spencer (House of House). Standard fit, 100% cotton.

The original version of The Rapture's "Children" was a near indie rock anthem that was ripe for remixing. The group turned to Darkstarr and Ashley Beedle for the reworks and they do not disappoint. Darkstarr amps up the percussion and bassline, giving "Children" a sound that seems to return The Rapture to their rightful place as punk funk innovators. With his "Heavy Disco Joint" Beedle follows a similar formula but turns a little more attention to the guitars. Limited 180 gram vinyl pressing. Plays at 45.

• Music Label: Bitches Brew 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 08/2012

Ever thought you could take a punk rock band and turn them into a dance music hit? Well, the folks at DFA records have already done it. Taking punk bands and programming their drum beats- extending intros and breaks, DFA has created a niche in the house/techno genre that nobody thought could be done. In particular, they've brought a new breath of life to a stale live music scene by signing New York City's popular punk group The Rapture. This EP is already popular within the house, techno, live, and electroclash scenes and it's beginning to blow up elsewhere. The original version with wailing vocals is probably the version you've heard before, but check out Morgan Geist's instrumental remix(2) with guest trumpet blows by producer James Duncan. Geist is known for his work as half of Metro Area, the most in-demand producers around. On the flip, "Silent Morning" is a change of pace, but a slow-tempo stormer nonetheless. Recommended. 

• music label: DFA / 2002

reviewed by James Patton 10/2005